Multi-part retaining frame, method for assembling and equipping

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure relates to the field of holding frames for a plug connector for receiving similar and/or different modules. To provide a solution which retains the flexibility in the number of insertable modules which previously resulted from being able to select a matching holding frame, while allowing a more efficient layout, manufacturing, storage and/or use, an appropriate holding frame arrangement is proposed in which the modules in a holding frame arrangement to be populated with modules are arranged one beside the other in a longitudinal direction thereof, between a first and a second end face of the holding frame arrangement, wherein the first and the second end faces are configured to be joined to each other form-fittingly such that, in a populating state, at least one transversely extending projection of one of the modules is received in a receptacle in at least one of opposing side surfaces of the holding frame arrangement, which extend between the first and the second end faces.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to the field of holding frames formodules and in particular of holding frames for a plug connector forreceiving similar and/or different modules.

Holding frames are used to accommodate a plurality of similar and/ordifferent modules. These modules may be insulating bodies, for example,which are provided as contact holders for electronic and electrical andpossibly also for optical and/or pneumatic contacts.

Description of the Related Art

A holding frame for holding plug connector modules and for installationin plug connection casings or for screwing onto wall surfaces is knownfrom document EP 0 860 906 B1, in which the plug connector modules areinserted into the holding frame and holding means on the plug connectormodules cooperate with recesses provided on opposite wall parts (sideparts) of the holding frame, wherein the recesses in the form ofopenings which are bounded on all sides are provided in the side partsof the holding frame, wherein the holding frame separates along a linewhich is parallel to the side parts of the holding frame, and whereinhinges are arranged in fastening ends of the holding frame in such a waythat when the holding frame is screwed onto a fastening surface, theframe parts are oriented in such a way that the side parts of theholding frame are oriented at right angles to the fastening surface andthe plug connector modules are connected interlockingly to the holdingframe by the holding means. In practice, such holding frames arenormally made in a die casting process, and more particularly in a zincdie casting process.

Document EP 2 581 991 A1 discloses a holding frame for plug connectormodules, comprising two frame halves which can be latched to each otherby linear displacement of the one frame half relative to the other framehalf in a sliding direction, wherein mutually corresponding latchingmeans are provided on the frame halves and cause the two frame halves tolatch into each other in two different latching positions during lineardisplacement, in which the frame halves are spaced from each other atdifferent distances.

Document EP 1 801 927 B1 discloses a holding frame consisting of anintegral injection-molded plastic part. The holding frame is formed as acircumferential collar and on its mating side has a plurality of wallsegments which are separated by slits. A respective pair of oppositewall segments form an insertion region for a plug-in module, the wallsegments having window-like apertures for receiving projectionsintegrally molded with the narrow sides of the modules. A guide grooveis also provided in each of the wall segments. The guide groove isformed above the apertures by means of an outwardly offset window webwhich has an insertion bevel on the inner surface. The plug-in modulesalso have latching arms integrally molded on the narrow sides, which actin the direction of the cable connectors, and which latch into placeunder the lateral collar wall, so that two independent latching meansfix the plug connector module in the holding frame.

In order to specify a structural design for a holding frame which hasgood heat resistance and high mechanical robustness and which allowsprotective earthing, also and in particular when installed in a metalplug connector casing, and which also ensures ease of operation,especially when replacing individual modules, document DE 10 2013 113976 A1 proposes providing a base section (preferably die cast and madeof zinc or aluminum or an appropriate alloy, for example) for fixing areceived module in a plane and a deformation section (preferably a dieformed resilient metal sheet) which can adopt an insertion state and aholding state, the insertion state allowing at least one module to beinserted into the holding frame in a direction transverse to the plane,and a received module being fixed in place in the holding state. Thebase section and the deformation section are formed at least partly fromdifferent materials, in any case.

What the known holding frames described in EP 0 860 906 B1, EP 2 581 991A1, EP 1 801 927 B1 and DE 10 2013 113 976 A1 have in common is thattheir layouts are each configured, due to their design and construction,for only a certain number of modules or module slots, although it ispossible that two or more of the module slots each provided for one(narrower) module are occupied by a module of corresponding width.

One consequence of configuring the layout for a specific number ofmodule slots is that different holding frames are designed and producedfor different applications (each involving a different number of modulesor module slots). In addition to the work and expense that configurationand production involves for the manufacturer of the holding frames, itis also necessary that the user keeps an appropriate stock of parts andimplements appropriate measures to ensure that the user has appropriateholding frames available for the respective application that are neithertoo short (i.e., have too few module slots) nor too long (i.e., may notfit spatially into the respective environment provided).

BRIEF SUMMARY

A basic aim of embodiments of the present invention is to provide aholding frame which facilitates configuration, manufacture, logisticsand use for manufacturers and users, in comparison with known solutions,without significantly limiting its potential uses, particularly withregard to the number of modules that can be inserted.

It is therefore desirable to provide a solution which retains theflexibility in the number of insertable modules, which previouslyresulted from being able to select a matching holding frame, whileallowing more efficient configuration, manufacturing, storage and/oruse.

According to one aspect of the invention, a holding frame arrangementfor a plug connector for receiving similar and/or different modules isproposed, namely a holding frame arrangement for a plug connector forreceiving similar and/or different modules, wherein the modules in theholding frame arrangement to be populated with modules are arranged onebeside the other in the longitudinal direction thereof, between a firstand a second end face of the holding frame arrangement, wherein thefirst and the second end faces can be joined to each otherform-fittingly such that, in a populating state, at least onetransversely extending projection of one of the modules is received in areceptacle in at least one of opposing side surfaces of the holdingframe arrangement, which extend between the first and the second endfaces.

According to another aspect of the invention, an assembly method for aholding frame arrangement for a plug connector for receiving similarand/or different modules is proposed, namely: providing a holding framearrangement for a plug connector for receiving similar and/or differentmodules, wherein the modules in the holding frame arrangement to bepopulated with modules are arranged one beside the other in thelongitudinal direction thereof, between a first and a second end face ofthe holding frame arrangement, wherein the first and the second endfaces can be joined to each other form-fittingly such that, in apopulating state, at least one transversely extending projection of oneof the modules is received in a receptacle in at least one of opposingside surfaces of the holding frame arrangement, which extend between thefirst and the second end faces, and wherein the side surfaces each havepredetermined breaking points for shortening them by integer multiplesof a module width; and shortening the side surfaces by breaking them attwo predetermined breaking points.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a populating methodfor a holding frame arrangement for a plug connector for receivingsimilar and/or different modules comprising modules is proposed, namelya method comprising: arranging the modules one beside the other in alongitudinal direction; and joining a first and a second end face of theholding frame form-fittingly such that the modules in the longitudinaldirection are arranged one beside the other between the first and thesecond end face of the holding frame arrangement, and such that at leastone transversely extending projection of one of the modules is receivedin a receptacle in at least one of opposing side surfaces of the holdingframe arrangement, which extend between the first and the second endfaces. The populating method preferably further comprises, prior tojoining the first and second end face, shortening the side surfaces bybreaking them at two predetermined breaking points.

In known holding frames, where the distance between the end facesultimately determines how many modules can be inserted between them, orhow many module slots are present in the holding frames, the end faceswere fixedly joined to each other, due to their design, via the sidewalls, edges or flanges of the holding frame, such that there is noflexibility there with regard to the distance between them.

It the context of embodiments of the invention, it was realized that adesired flexibility can be achieved when the combination of a (partial)end face, side surface and (partial) side surface is an integral part,and that the end faces can instead be form-fittingly joined to eachother (and ultimately to the side surfaces as well, therefore), theform-fitting connection being provided in different directions betweenparts of side surfaces that are each embodied in combination with theend faces and/or that can be embodied between at least one end face andthe side surfaces.

The form fit is preferably designed in such a way that forces arisingwhen using the plug connector only occur transversely to a direction ofmovement which releases the form fit, and/or that any releasing of theform fit by forces arising as a result of the installing the holdingframe formed from the holding frame arrangement is prevented or at leastmade more difficult.

Without the holding arrangement itself having to have a lockingmechanism, it is possible for a direction in which the form fit does notblock movement, i.e., a direction in which the parts of the holdingframe arrangement can be brought together and/or separated from eachother again, to run parallel in each case to a plug-in direction of theplug connector, in the longitudinal direction of the resultant holdingframe (i.e., lengthwise along the side surfaces) and/or in thetransversal direction of the resultant holding frame (i.e., lengthwisealong the end faces).

In an advantageous embodiment of one aspect of the invention, theholding frame arrangement comprises a first and a second frame portion,wherein the first frame portion includes the first end face and a firstand second side surface portion, wherein the second frame portionincludes the second end face and a third and fourth side surfaceportion, wherein the first and second frame portion are mateable witheach other in the longitudinal direction of the holding framearrangement, and wherein the second frame portion has at least one guidemeans or device for the first and/or second side surface portion.

The two frame portions of the holding frame arrangement can be pushedtowards one another along the guide means or device. Preferably beforethe frame portions are inserted into each other, the desired number ofmodules can be inserted between the side surface portions of a frameportion, after which the inserted modules can then be fixed between theend faces by inserting or plugging the frame portions into each other.

The desired (maximum) number of modules or module slots provided in theresultant holding frame can be reduced by shortening the side surfaceportions. In a somewhat more complicated configuration, the number ofmodule slots available can also be (subsequently) increased when theframe portions are modular or extendable in structure.

Known holding frames for plug connectors are typically screwed orsimilarly fixed at the point of use, and known ways of screwing orotherwise fixing the end faces in place can effectively preventinadvertent release of the frame portions in this case.

In a particularly advantageous variant of the above embodiment, at leastone of the side surface portions has a slot extending in thelongitudinal direction, through which the projection of a module canpass, wherein the slot is blocked at least partially by another sidesurface portion when side surface portions are mated with each other.

Due to a slot being provided in a corresponding side surface portion,the projection from the module can be guided within the slot so that theprojection(s) of the module or modules do not, for example, necessitatethe side surfaces being spread apart in order to accommodate theprojections in the receptacle(s).

The above variant may also be embodied advantageously in such a way thatthe slot has recesses, each of which forms a receptacle for theprojection of a module, together with the other side surface portion,when the side surface portions are mated with each other.

When the respectively provided modules with projections guided by theslot(s) are inserted between two corresponding side surface portions,and the projections are each received in the recesses, the slot can beat least partially closed or covered, by inserting the second frameportion onto or into the first frame portion, in such a way that themodules are fixed in place between the side surface portions by theprojections which are then held in the recesses.

In an advantageous embodiment of one aspect of the invention, the firstend face can be joined form-fittingly to at least one of the sidesurfaces of the holding frame arrangement.

In a particularly advantageous variant of the above embodiment, eachside surface forms, together with the first end face, a linear guidemeans or device which allows mating in a direction parallel to the sidesurface and to the end face, wherein the side surface and the first endface are adapted to form a dovetail joint and/or a mushroom joint witheach other.

The guide direction of the linear guide means or device thus runssubstantially parallel to a plug-in direction of the resultant plugconnector.

There is no necessity here for the linear guide means or device toextend through the entire component. Partial extension, for example byproviding the guide means or device only partially in the plug-indirection and/or by blocking the guide means or device at one end, canbe advantageously used to make it more difficult for components of theholding frame to inadvertently come apart during installation.

In another particularly advantageous variant of the above embodiment,the form fit is adapted for joining and releasing in the transversaldirection, wherein the end face and at least one side surface can eachbe joined together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.

If the connection points have matching projections and recesses in theplanes defined by the side surfaces, like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, theconnections can be made in a simple manner by mating them transverselyto that plane.

In another advantageous embodiment of one aspect of the invention, theside surfaces and the side surface portions each have predeterminedbreaking points for shortening them by integer multiples of a modulewidth.

At a predetermined breaking point where the material is thinner, forexample, it is possible to shorten a side surface or side surfaceportion by breaking off a piece in an appropriate manner. The modulewidth is defined by the offset between two adjacent recesses forreceiving the projections from the modules.

In a particularly advantageous variant of the embodiment of one aspectof the invention, in which each at least one side surface forms,together with the first end face, a linear guide means or device whichallows mating in a direction parallel to the side surface and to the endface, wherein the side surface and the first end face are adapted toform a dovetail joint and/or a mushroom joint with each other and theside surfaces each have predetermined breaking points for shorteningthem by integer multiples of a module width, the at least one sidesurface has a guide element matching the first end face, adjacent toeach predetermined breaking point in the longitudinal direction.

The linear guide means or device requires an edge that is substantiallyplanar (without projections, at least) in the respective direction, andsuch an edge may correlate in a simple manner with a predeterminedbreaking point which then runs likewise in a straight line.

Features of advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in theclaims, and a person skilled in the art can also find other advantageousfeatures, embodiments and variants of the invention in the abovedescription and the discussion below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following, the present invention shall be illustrated anddescribed with reference to the embodiments shown in the Figures.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view illustrating a first embodiment of aholding frame arrangement according to the invention, comprising modulesfor a plug connector.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view illustrating a second embodiment of aholding frame arrangement according to the invention, comprising modulesfor a plug connector.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view illustrating a third embodiment of aholding frame arrangement according to the invention, comprising modulesfor a plug connector.

FIG. 4 a schematic flow diagram of an embodiment of a populating methodaccording to the invention for a holding frame arrangement for a plugconnector, including a corresponding assembly method.

In the enclosed drawings and in the associated descriptions of saiddrawings, corresponding or related elements are given corresponding orsimilar reference signs, where expedient, even when they are to be foundin different embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view illustrating a first embodiment of aholding frame arrangement 100 according to the invention, comprisingmodules 10 for a plug connector.

Holding frame arrangement 100 comprises a first frame portion 110 and asecond frame portion 120.

The first frame portion 110 comprises a first end face 101 and a firstand a second side surface portion 111, 112, each extending transverselyto end face 101 from the ends of end face 101. Side surface portions111, 112 each have a slot 113, 114 extending in their longitudinaldirection (i.e., likewise transversely to end face 101).

Slots 113, 114 run parallel to each other and are each designed to be sowide that a projection 15 from a module 10 for the plug connector can beguided through a respective slot.

Slots 113, 114 also have recesses 103 offset from each other by thewidth of a (single) module and which are designed to match the width ofthe projections 15 from the modules 10.

In the view shown in FIG. 1, a module 10 is already inserted into slots113, 114 and thus between side surface portions 111, 112, and into frameportion 110, and rests in the first (left-hand) recess 103 directlyadjacent to end face 101. Another module 10 is shown beside frameportion 110.

Side surface portions 111, 112 also have predetermined breaking points130 extending in the mating direction of the plug connector. The holdingframe arrangement 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is configured to receive twomodules 10, and the frame portion can be shortened to receive only onemodule 10 by using predetermined breaking points 130. In a typicalimplementation, holding frame arrangement 100 could be configured toreceive six single modules 10, in which case FIG. 1 illustrates aversion which has already been shortened by four module widths.

The second frame portion 120 comprises a second end face 102 and a thirdand fourth side surface portion 121, 122 each extending transversely toend face 102 from the ends of end face 102. Side surface portions 121,122 each have a slot 123, 124 extending in their longitudinal direction(i.e., likewise transversely to end face 102).

Slots 123, 124 are arranged to match slots 113, 114 and are dimensionedsuch that, when frame portions 110, 120 are plugged together, part ofslots 113, 114 is blocked in such a way that the projections 15 frominserted modules 10 are fixed in place in recesses 103.

When frame portions 110, 120 are plugged together, a guide means ordevice 125 provided on the inner side of side surface portions 121, 122clasps a part of side surface portions 111, 112 that is above slots 113,114, such that frame portions 110, 120 are brought together in apredetermined manner.

No separate predetermined breaking points are shown for the second frameportion 120, although such predetermined breaking points correspondingto predetermined breaking points 130 of the first frame portion 110 maybe provided. Then again, predetermined breaking points could also bedispensed with in the case of the first frame portion 110, withappropriate shortening being left to the user.

Adjoining each end face 101, 102, there is a mounting shoulder or flangewith which the holding frame (i.e., the assembled holding framearrangement 100) can be mounted in a known manner during installation.This mounting prevents frame portions 110, 120 from detachinginadvertently from each other.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view illustrating a second embodiment of aholding frame arrangement 200 according to the invention, comprisingmodules 10 for a plug connector.

Holding frame arrangement 200 comprises a first and a second end face201, 202, which are connected form-fittingly to each other in theassembled state (only hinted at in FIG. 2) by two side surfaces 204,205.

Side surfaces 204, 205 each have receptacles 203 for projections 15 frommodules 10, offset from each other by the width of a single module, suchthat modules 10 are fixed in place in the holding frames thus produced.

Side surfaces 204, 205 shown in FIG. 2 have a length corresponding tofour modules 10, with side surfaces 204, 205 each having twopredetermined breaking points 230 for shortening that length to three ortwo modules 10.

At their ends in the longitudinal direction, side surfaces 204, 205 eachhave a dovetail 207 for insertion into a linear guide 206 in end faces201, 202 (see, in particular, the right-hand side of the view shown inFIG. 2).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a section extending from one end ofside surfaces 204, 205 to a first predetermined breaking point 230 isprovided with dovetails on both sides, whereas the other sectionslikewise have a dovetail between predetermined breaking points 230 onlyon the side away from the first section. After breaking off at thepredetermined breaking point, such a section can no longer be used,therefore, to connect the two end faces 201, 202, due to the absence ofthe second dovetail. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 can therefore beshortened to two module slots.

In other variants (not shown), the ends of the side surfaces 204, 205may also be symmetrical, for example with a dovetail or mushroomcross-section.

The cross-section of the side surfaces 204, 205 may also be shapedaccordingly on either side of a predetermined breaking point such thatpractically any subdivisions of a prefabricated side surface can be usedto connect the end faces 201, 202.

The side surfaces 204, 205 may be designed to be mirror or axiallysymmetrical with each other. If, however, by providing differentlydesigned receptacles 203 (e.g., with different sizes), the aim is toensure that the modules 10 can only be arranged in a clearly definedmanner with respect to each other when mounted, then the side surfaces204, 205 will differ by those receptacles 203.

It is possible to produce the side surfaces 204, 205 by extrusion orextrusion pressing with a desired cross-section in which the guidemembers, engaging parts and the predetermined breaking points arealready preformed. The side surfaces 204, 205 can be prepared by cuttingthe respective strands to the height of the side surfaces 204, 205 andby punching out the receptacles 203, for example. The opposite sidesurfaces 204, 205 with different receptacles 203 can be produced in acommon process, with the only difference being the specific way that thereceptacles 203 are punched out or otherwise produced.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the modules 10 provided for the plugconnector can be firstly arranged one beside the other, for example,after which side surfaces 204, 205 are attached in such a way thatreceptacles 203 receive projections 15 on the modules 10. End faces 201,202 can then be pushed successively or simultaneously onto the dovetails207 of the side surfaces using linear guide 206.

Similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, end faces 201, 202 areprovided with mounting shoulders or flanges which allow the resultantholding frame to be mounted in a known manner when assembled.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view illustrating a third embodiment of aholding frame arrangement 300 according to the invention, comprisingmodules 10 for a plug connector.

Holding frame arrangement 300 comprises a first and a second end face301, 302, which are connected form-fittingly to each other in theassembled state (only hinted at in FIG. 3) by two side surfaces 304.

The side surfaces 304, only one of which is shown in FIG. 3, arecomposed of side surface portions 308 which are each provided, likepieces of a jigsaw puzzle, with suitable contours when viewed from theside, which allow side surface portions 308 to engage in each other inthe longitudinal direction of the resultant holding frame, end faces301, 302 being provided with matching projections and/or recesses suchthat a desired number of side surface portions 308 can be assembled, inorder to form a holding frame with the proper length, i.e., for thedesired number of modules, starting at the first end face 301 in eachcase and finishing with the second end face 302.

As already discussed in connection with the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2, side surfaces 304 may be symmetrical with or different from eachother in this case also. As shown in FIG. 3, it is possible to providedifferent shapes for the first and the second end face 301, 302, and avariant in which both end faces 201, 202 are identical when rotatedabout the vertical axis is also possible.

Like the embodiment in FIG. 2, the embodiment in FIG. 3 is not limitedto side surface portions 308 only having a length equal to a singlemodule 10. Side surface portions 308 may also be produced in a joinedmanner (with predetermined breaking points being provided), in order tobe separated from each other or joined together again as required.

In the embodiment illustrated, however, side surface portions 308 (andaccordingly end faces 301, 302 as well, which are not shown here,however) have elements similar to grooves and tongues, such that, givensome flexibility on the part of the projections, side surface portions308 can be brought together in the longitudinal direction by joining thegrooves and tongues, such that any transverse displacement is precluded.

As already noted with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, when describingthe embodiments therein, end faces 301, 302 also have attachment means(e.g., mounting shoulders or flanges) for mounting the holding framearrangement 300.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic flow diagram of an embodiment of a populatingmethod 50 according to the invention for a holding frame arrangement fora plug connector, including a corresponding assembly method 51.

In the embodiment illustrated, assembly method 51 comprises providing 52a holding frame arrangement according to an embodiment of the inventionfor a plug connector for receiving similar and/or different modules,namely a holding frame arrangement with two end faces which can bejoined to each other form-fittingly.

In at least one of the side surfaces of the holding frame arrangement,which extend between the end faces in the assembled state, a respectivereceptacle is provided for projections from modules for the plugconnector.

The side surfaces each have predetermined breaking points for shorteningthem by integer multiples of a module width.

The assembly method further comprises shortening 53 the side surfaces bybreaking them at two predetermined breaking points.

Assembly method 51 is followed by arranging 54 the modules for the plugconnector one beside the other in a longitudinal direction.

Then at 55, the end faces of the holding frame arrangement are joinedform-fittingly such that the modules in the longitudinal direction arearranged one beside the other between the first and the second end faceof the holding frame arrangement, and such that at least onetransversely extending projection of a module is received in areceptacle in at least one of the side surfaces of the holding framearrangement, which extend between the first and the second end faces.

Even if different aspects or features of the invention are shown incombination in the Figures, it is clear to a person skilled in the art,unless otherwise specified, that the combinations shown and discussedare not the only ones possible. More particularly, it is possible toswap corresponding units or groups of features from differentembodiments.

For example, it is possible that the lugs for joining the side surfacesto the end faces are also implemented in connection with the embodimentin which the holding frame arrangement has two frame portions which aremateable with each other in the longitudinal direction of the holdingframe arrangement, the second frame portion having at least one guidemeans or device for the first and/or the second side surface portion. Inthis regard, more particularly, the side surface portions may beform-fittingly connected or connectable to each other and/or to therespective end faces, so this embodiment, too, is not limited tointegral frame portions.

It is also possible to combine or deploy embodiments of the presentinvention with the teaching of, for example, EP 0 860 906 B1 (with ahinged connection within the end faces that allows the holding frame tobe spread apart), EP 2 581 991 A1 (allowing linear displacement in theend faces), EP 1 801 927 B1 (embodiment as injection-molded plasticparts having elastic properties) and/or DE 10 2013 113 976 A1 (usingdifferent materials, combining stiffness of the holding frame as a wholewith preferably elastic flexibility at desired points).

In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not beconstrued to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed inthe specification and the claims, but should be construed to include allpossible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to whichsuch claims are entitled.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A holding frame arrangement for a plugconnector for receiving modules, wherein: the holding frame arrangementis configured to be populated with modules arranged one beside the otherin a longitudinal direction of the holding frame arrangement between afirst and a second end face of the holding frame arrangement; the firstand the second end faces are configured to be joined to each otherform-fittingly such that, in a populating state, at least onetransversely extending projection of one of the modules is received in areceptacle in at least one of opposing side surfaces of the holdingframe arrangement, which extend between the first and the second endfaces; the holding frame arrangement comprises a first frame portion anda second frame portion, the first frame portion including the first endface and a first and a second side surface portion, the second frameportion including the second end face and a third and a fourth sidesurface portion, wherein the first and second frame portions aremateable with each other in the longitudinal direction of the holdingframe arrangement, and wherein the second frame portion has at least oneguide device for the first and/or second side surface portion of thefirst frame portion; and at least one of the side surface portions has aslot extending in the longitudinal direction, through which theprojection of the module can pass, wherein the slot is blocked at leastpartially by another one of the side surface portions when the sidesurface portions are mated with each other.
 2. The holding framearrangement according to claim 1, wherein the slot has recesses, each ofwhich forms a respective receptacle for a respective projection of themodules, together with the other one of the side surface portions, whenthe side surface portions are mated with each other.
 3. The holdingframe arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first end face canbe joined form-fittingly to at least one of the side surfaces of theholding frame arrangement.
 4. A holding frame arrangement for a plugconnector for receiving modules, wherein the holding frame arrangementis configured to be populated with modules arranged one beside the otherin a longitudinal direction of the holding frame arrangement between afirst and a second end face of the holding frame arrangement, whereinthe first and the second end faces are configured to be joined to eachother form-fittingly such that, in a populating state, at least onetransversely extending projection of one of the modules is received in areceptacle in at least one of opposing side surfaces of the holdingframe arrangement, which extend between the first and the second endfaces, and wherein the side surfaces each have predetermined breakingpoints for shortening the side surfaces by integer multiples of a modulewidth.
 5. The holding frame arrangement according to claim 4, whereineach side surface has a respective guide element matching the first endface, adjacent to each predetermined breaking point in the longitudinaldirection.
 6. An assembly method comprising: providing a holding framearrangement for a plug connector for receiving modules, wherein theholding frame arrangement is configured to be populated with modulesarranged one beside the other in a longitudinal direction of the holdingframe arrangement between a first and a second end face of the holdingframe arrangement, wherein the first and the second end faces areconfigured to be joined to each other form-fittingly such that, in apopulating state, at least one transversely extending projection of oneof the modules is received in a receptacle in at least one of opposingside surfaces of the holding frame arrangement, which extend between thefirst and the second end faces, and wherein the side surfaces each havepredetermined breaking points for shortening the side surfaces byinteger multiples of a module width; and shortening the side surfaces ofthe holding frame arrangement by breaking the side surfaces at twopredetermined breaking points.
 7. A populating method for a holdingframe arrangement for a plug connector for receiving similar ordifferent modules, said method comprising: arranging the modules onebeside the other in a longitudinal direction; joining a first and asecond end face of the holding frame arrangement form-fittingly suchthat the modules in the longitudinal direction are arranged one besidethe other between the first and the second end face of the holding framearrangement, and such that at least one transversely extendingprojection of one of the modules is received in a receptacle in at leastone of opposing side surfaces of the holding frame arrangement, whichextend between the first and the second end faces; and prior to joiningthe first and second end face, shortening the side surfaces of theholding frame arrangement by breaking the side surfaces at twopredetermined breaking points.